ROOTED RENEGADE

Esther 1-4

Fighting giants is not for the faint of heart. It takes great courage and strength. It comes at a great cost. Esther knew this firsthand when she had to battle Haman. Not because she wanted to, but because her people were depending on her to. She was the one the king loved and the one God chose to stop a mass genocide of His people.

If you have read Esther, then you know she went into the battle understanding that it may cost her life. There is a stripping of joy and peace when we first agree to battle a giant. It’s because there is usually great fear and trepidation which comes at you like a full on assault. So your flesh has to do battle before your spirit can take over.

Queen Esther had to submit her flesh through prayer and fasting in order for her spirit to be in alignment with the will of heaven. It was the only way she was going to be able face Haman and not engage in unnecessary warfare with him.

Giants are not stupid. They know that a surrendered life knows how to find that joy and peace again through holy communion with Jesus. And those who are deeply surrendered don’t care if it costs them their lives, because “to live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Jesus was the perfect example of this.

In the wilderness, He fasted for 40 days and nights, submitting His will to that of the Father. And when it came time to do battle with satan, He was prepared and equipped. Jesus only used the Word against satan. He didn’t use his opinions or thoughts, He used the sword of the spirit. With precision and perfection.

Queeen Esther could only approach the king if he held out his golden scepter. She knew that approaching him before being called could mean death. But after submitting to the ONE who called her to the place of position she found herself in, her life no longer mattered the same way.

She found that her willingness to say yes, submit, and surrender led to the king holding out the scepter to her and offering up to half the kingdom. She proceeded with wisdom and grace. Not in her own might and strength. But in the strength of the Lord God which is the fullness of joy.

We too can defeat the giants who try to rob our peace and joy. We too can surrender and submit ourselves to our Creator. The lover of our souls – Jesus. 

There will be days where it seems as if we are being stripped of everything. Our minds being cleansed of all the religion and nonsense we have believed. Our bodies being purged of all they have stored in them. Our souls being restored and made whole. 

The process is necessary if we are to defeat the giants. Our flesh must die so our spirits come more alive. Stay the course friends. It isn’t easy but it is worth it!

Faythe